This week, Ireland marked the 250th anniversary of the birth on August 6th 1775 of Daniel O'Connell, known as The Liberator, and, alongside Parnell, one of two 19th century political leaders referred to as "the uncrowned king of Ireland".

Like most people born in 1775 with any descendants alive today, the number of Daniel O'Connell's descendants now undoubtedly runs into thousands, and they are probably to be found in many walks of Irish life, ranging from politics to horseracing.